The 2010 Rieussec was missing a little intellect when I tasted it from barrel. Now in bottle it has become a contender for the finest Sauternes of the vintage. It is blessed with a pure and lifted bouquet with ripe peach, nectarine and honey, hints of shaved ginger poke their head above the surface with aeration. It is very subtle. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, perfectly judged acidity and convincing harmony. This is a sophisticated Sauternes with superb mineralite and outstanding persistency. I will confess that I pinned this as "Yquem" and was both shocked and pleased when its identity was revealed. Go buy. Drink 2016-2035.

Score: 96

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate (212), April 2014

Sporting 140gms/L residual sugar, the 2010 Rieussec displays impressive clarity on the nose, with fresh pineapple, grapefruit and a touch of lime flower, and tangible minerality. The palate has that "Tropicana" vibe with guava, almond and pineapple that slightly obfuscates the terroir towards the finish. This is a highly enjoyable, comparatively rich 2010 Sauternes, but without the intellect of some of the finest examples of the vintage.

Score: 90/92

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate (194), May 2010

Intense nose with strong botrytis influence. Pure and rich though not the most monumental by a long way. And a little bit sticky, and astringent, on the end. All the ingredients are there but in completely embryonic form. RS 141 g/l, Ta 3.9 g/l. 14.2%

Score: 17+

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, April 2011

Rieussec is always one of the most popular names of Sauternes and, after Yquem, usually the best wine of the appellation. 85% Semillon, 12% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle. 2010 makes a strong case for Rieussec's great reputation continuing. The wine excites from the first with the nose bursting out of the glass. It is at once rich and refined with fine cristalised pineapple and creme brulee. Both nose and palate have a very attractive acidity that frames a veritable fruit basket of flavours and lifts the whole to a very classy plateau. If you are only going to buy one Sauternes this year then Rieussec should be at the top of your list.

Score: 18

Farr Vintners, April 2011

The nose is full of crystallized fruit sweet and rich yet with an underlying freshness. Fleshy apricot and white peach give a sensuous richness on the mid palate with behind lime and grapefruit refreshing and lifting the flavours.

Score: 93/97

Derek Smedley MW, April 2011

Some oaky, smoky elements dominating the fruity, juicy ones, but so impressive in the mouth. Great volume, great concentration, bags of refined and complex flavours, great length, and more Sauternes-like this time than Riesling. Drink 2020-2050.

Score: 18.5

Michel Bettane, Decanter.com, April 2011

Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.